Updated: July 12, 2020 (May 26, 2003)
Analyst ReportWindows Roadmap Leads to Longhorn in 2005
Better graphics and audio are among the enhancements planned for Longhorn, the next major Windows client release planned for 2005. Until then, Windows XP will be the Windows client and customers will only see service packs and “fit-and-finish” releases to two special Windows editions (Tablet and Media Center). Similarly, customers will not see any major new Windows server releases until past 2005, but many add-ons to the server will ship in the meantime. While the company is focusing most Windows development resources on Longhorn, it has not yet revealed what features that release will offer that benefit companies, as opposed to consumers.
Next Steps for Windows XP
Microsoft does not plan any interim client release between Windows XP and Longhorn, according to Will Poole, senior vice president of the Windows Client business. This means that XP will be the current Windows client until late 2005. While designing, developing, and testing Longhorn, Microsoft will keep any development on XP to a minimum. Before the end of 2003, Microsoft will release a second XP Service Pack (SP2), and Second Editions for XP Tablet and Media Center. (For an illustration showing the path to Longhorn, see “Windows XP Roadmap at a Glance“.)
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